The Pastel Poet Rides of the Texas Plains Rides Again

The McFaddin-Ward House takes its 2016 Lecture Series on the road this month with a film documentary about forgotten artist Frank Reaugh. Experts consider Reaugh (prounounced Ray) to be one of Western art’s most prolific; his works number more than 7,000, yet when he died, most people had never heard of him. The Texas art scene has recently renewed its interest in Reaugh, largely due to a recent film documentary about his life and works. “Frank Reaugh: Pastel Poet of the Texas Plains” pays tribute to a great artist and teacher. Its producer, Marla Fields, will be on hand August 18th to discuss her film at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas. The McFaddin-Ward House is proud to be sharing the event at the larger venue.

“We anticipate a large crowd for this particular lecture,” McFaddin-Ward House Museum Director, Allen Lea said. “The Art Museum is lovely and will create the perfect atmosphere for this wonderful screening.”

An Artist Unknown

Frank Reaugh produced thousands of vivid pastels of the Texas Plains. Unlike other painters, though, he focused on animals rather than cowboys. Each summer he would bring a group of students on “Sketch Trips” to far west Texas and teach them his methods. Many call him the “Dean of Texas Painters”.

“What’s remarkable about Frank Reaugh is that very few of us knew what’s remarkable about him,” critic and novelist Michael Ennis remarks in Fields’ documentary. Now, we’re beginning to, again.

He was still working into his late 70s, but by then the art world had passed him by.

“People forgot him before he was ever done painting,” art collector Bill Cheek said.

How could artists forget someone so talented, creative and giving? That’s what filmmaker Fields wanted to know after reading an article about him. “In his final days he became a ward of the city, and that just struck me,” she said. “I just couldn’t believe he wasn’t more well-known.”

A former radio DJ in Temple and Paris (Texas) and now a freelance video producer living in Frisco, she set out to learn all she could about him. Her superb documentary, five years in the making, reintroduces Reaugh to art lovers and to his fellow Texans.

Learn more at http://marlfields.com/frandreaugh

More than 250 Odom Academy students descended
by the busloads on the McFaddin-Ward House this month. The middle schoolers were here for an annual visit and a Texas History lesson on the early 1900’s. The morning included a stage play about a day in the life of the McFaddins, tours of the house, an art lesson, and several docent-led demonstrations of the family kitchen, house chores, Mamie’s school room, and childhood games. Close to 30 docents and staff were on hand to host the event which covered a three-day period.

We had no sooner announced the April 16th Secret Tour than it filled to capacity! This specialty tour is growing by leaps and bounds in interest and popularity. It seems everybody wants a peek behind Mamie’s curtains! The best way to be a part of it is to sign up for the email announcements. You will be notified several weeks in advance of the tour, and we will take the first six people who respond and pay. Limit 3 people per party. Please send your request to be placed on the list to Karen Chapman in our Public Relations Department: kchapman@mcfaddin-ward.org

Good luck and good secrets!

Dan Hartman says he is defined by three main passions: he loves Duluth, he loves public policy, and he loves history.

Hartman also knows how to transform a museum.

The historian/city councilman is best known for bringing the state’s most popular museum into the 21st century. At the Glensheen House, the red velvet ropes are gone, 80-year-olds stand next to 20-year-olds enjoying drinks and music at museum events. And they are allowed to take pictures inside the house for the first time in 35 years.

Director Dan Hartman understands the debate of preserving history while engaging the public, but he says the old ways weren’t working. “We have to find new, creative ways to start bringing people back,” he said.

The Glensheen Museum’s attendance has risen dramatically since Hartman came on board.

“There are many folks who have lived in the city for a long period of time who have never been here. And frankly we haven’t given them a lot of excuses to do that.” Hartman said. Glensheen has also launched several personalized tours including an evening flashlight tour of the mansion, and a behind-the-scenes “nooks and crannies.

Dan Hartman will be guest speaker at the McFaddin-Ward House’s upcoming Free Lecture on February 18, 2016. The event is free and open to the public and includes a reception following the event.

For more information, go to our Events Page on this website or call 409-832-1906.

January 30th Secret Tour is already filled.

Learning a secret is always exciting. That’s how we knew a secret tour of this historic home would be a huge success. I mean, who doesn’t want to know what’s behind closed doors at Mamie McFaddin-Ward’s house?! Consequently, all six spots on the January 30th tour were filled within three hours of announcing the event. But secret lovers, don’t fret. We have three more “Secret Tours” planned later this year!

To be placed on the Secret Tour email list, please send your address to Karen Chapman, kchapman@mcfaddin-ward.org.